When purchasing an automobile, it’s important to ask “what car is suitable for your lifestyle?” Todays cars come in a wide range of styles with a number of different features. By identifying your needs, you can narrow down the perfect vehicle. Here are just a few car buying tips that could be worth considering based on the type of lifestyle you lead.

The city girl

Living in a city isn’t cheap and parking can be difficult. Many people who live in walkable cities with good public transport links may even find it is more sensible to go without a car. However, in cities that aren’t so easy to get around without a vehicle, a car is necessary. Small cars are generally the best option because they cost less to buy and can get into parking spaces that other cars can’t. Many are also very fuel-efficient – which is good for cities with emission zone charges. 

The adventurer

Do you like to go on road trips? Perhaps you’re into action adventure hobbies like camping or cycling? A bigger car with more storage space and passenger space is going to be a better option in these cases. Consider an SUV, a pickup truck or a station wagon. Something a little more rugged with a lot of ground clearance could be best suited if you’re going to be tackling rougher terrain more often. At the same time, don’t forget to look into fuel economy – bigger can often be less fuel efficient, but there are some that guzzle less gas, saving you money on long journeys.

The young professional

If you’re looking for a company car that you can meet clients in, you’ll likely want something that’s smart but not too showy. Brands like BMW, Audi and Mercedes have long been associated with professionalism, while black is typically the most professional-looking colour. If you’re looking to deliver items or carry equipment, a larger station wagon or a van may be better. Company owners could even consider choosing a vehicle that reflects their branding. 

The supermom

If you’ve got three or more kids, you’ll need a bigger vehicle for the school run and family trips. SUVs are a popular choice – they have a roomy trunk for prams and groceries, and a lot of passenger space. MPVs are meanwhile suited for larger families – these vehicles can carry five to nine passengers in some cases. A larger car could also be necessary if you have fur babies – station wagons often have lots of space for at least two dogs to sit. Compare safety ratings when choosing a family vehicle (this post at ThinkInsure compares some of the safest family cars). 

The environmentalist

A growing number of us are becoming more eco-conscious. Hybrids and electric cars are the greenest choice and come in a large range of models. A hybrid can still run on regular fuel and charges up its electric battery using its combustion engine, making it more convenient than having to plug your car into a charging station. That said, electric cars are the most environmentally-friendly option as they completely cut out emissions. You can compare hybrids and electric vehicle models here at Edmunds. 

The saver

Don’t have a lot of money to spend on a car. A smaller used car is the best option in this case. There are cars you can buy online for less than $2000. That said, you do need to be careful about checking the condition – you don’t want to be burdened with constant repairs. You should also consider the fact that older cars may be less fuel efficient. 

The splurger

If money isn’t too much of a concern, your options are limitless. You may be able to consider something sportier or more luxurious. Newer cars will have the best range of mod cons. That said, some drivers may be more drawn to the appeal of a classic car (just be prepared to splurge on maintenance). 

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